Press Release

World’s Longest Indoor Hopscotch

March 14, 2016

Let’s Hopscotch through New WestQuite possibly the longest indoor hopscotch installation in the world.

(New Westminster, BC) March 7, 2016 —

Since opening its doors late in 2010, River Market at Westminster Quay has encouraged a healthy sense of curiosity. The 75,000-square-foot marketplace is divided into the Hungry Floor, with tempting tastemakers like Wild Rice Restaurant and New Westminster landmarks such as the Paddlewheeler Pub, and the Curious Floor upstairs, where visitors can try a circus class at Vancouver Circus School or learn an instrument at Music Box. Now there are even more opportunities to play and explore and we want everyone to join us in hopping through what may be the longest indoor hopscotch installation in the world.

The last public art installation at River Market was with LEGO pieces. Staying with the theme of Feast and Fun at River Market, we are bringing in another childhood favourite – hopscotch. “The great thing about hopscotch is the ability to play the game anywhere. All you really need is a piece of chalk, a surface, and imagination,” says River Market’s Marketing Manager, Salim Hassan, who was inspired by the long hallway on the Market’s second floor.

River Market is situated along the mighty Fraser River, and part of a thriving city with a long beautiful history dating back to 1859. Today New West encompasses 14 neighbourhoods, each with a unique background and character, all of which come together to make this city as livable and culturally diverse as it is today.

“The purpose is to showcase a snapshot of what makes New Westminster unique. It started with researching all of the neighbourhoods, speaking with residents who live in those areas, and eventually collecting a selection of facts, anecdotes, and visuals that can capture a neighbourhood in a fun and unique way,” explains Hassan.

How long? The hopscotch measures 2600 inches long. The longest outdoor hopscotch holds a Guinness World record of 5.5 km and was created by students at the University of Guelph, Ontario. However there is no record yet for the longest indoor hopscotch. The hopscotch is designed by illustrator extraordinaire, Jane Koo http://www.janekoo.com, and will be installed on Wednesday, March 17, 2016.

About River Market at Westminster QuayFeast and fun come together every day at River Market, where the hungry and curious gather to eat, shop, and play. First opened in 1985 as Westminster Quay Public Market, this 75,000-square-foot marketplace on the Fraser River pioneered a food-led revitalization to become a hub for community life. Today, it showcases 20 of B.C.’s best independent restaurants, shops, and schools all under one roof. Stay hungry and curious at rivermarket.ca, and follow along on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.